Defining Utopia

By Susie Rogers, ELA 5th-8th

Free food, free speech, crime-free, pollution-free, bill-free, and tax-free are just some of ideas the 7th graders brainstormed when asked for their definition of a utopia. The word free seemed to be the common denominator, but, after discussion, the students realized “free” often comes with a heavier price. Before beginning The Giver by Lois Lowry, the class discussed what a perfect society would look like. Though some of their suggestions were predictable such as no school and freedom to do anything you want, they made a much deeper connection to the Bible. The students unanimously agreed that Heaven was the ultimate utopia, and any place made by man could not be perfect. Making connections between a novel and personal life is one of best ways for a deeper understanding of theme and motive. As they continue to read about enforced rules, assigned jobs, precision of language, and emotionless relationships, their understanding of what once was thought of the perfect society turned quickly into the realization that this novel, in fact, was a just a dystopian.